Toll-takers could be off the Golden Gate Bridge by December

Toll-takers at the Golden Gate Bridge could be on their way out as soon as December.

That's when the bridge plans to go to a "soft launch" of it all-electronic tolling plan, with all toll-takers likely off the span by February 2013.

"It's where the industry is heading," said bridge spokeswoman Mary Currie.

Earlier this week the district's finance committee approved changes to a contract to allow for all-electronic tolling.

The bridge district's Board of Directors has already voted to eliminate the 35 toll-takers and move to electronic tolls on the span. Golden Gate Bridge officials are eliminating toll-takers, among other steps, to help bail the district out of an $87 million budget shortfall over the next five years.

By phasing out the toll collectors, part of the fabric of the bridge since it opened in 1937, the district will save roughly $16 million over 10 years in salaries and benefits. A toll-taker's base annual salary starts at $48,672 and tops out at $54,080.

Elsewhere in the United States and overseas, cashless tolling systems use video cameras like those already installed on the Golden Gate to capture the license plates of toll violators. Under the planned new system, Fastrak will remain, but those without transponders will be mailed a bill for the toll. People will also be able to set up accounts — similar to Fastrak — to have tolls deducted from a credit or debit card. But those users will not be afforded a $1 discount Fastrak users enjoy, and will pay a $6 toll.

There also will be retail outlets where bridge users can pay their toll in cash by providing their license plate numbers. Payments also will be accepted on the telephone and online.

For those who do not have Fastrak, all toll payments are due in 21 days. After that time has elapsed they will be handled as toll violators and will be required to pay the toll and a $25 penalty. There will be no mechanism to accept cash payments at the bridge.

"There are still some things to figure out, but this is moving ahead," Currie said.

Bridge district officials said their deficit has been caused by the economic recession that has resulted in fewer drivers and tolls and state funding cuts to its transit system as well as the $75 million cost it incurred when it agreed to help with the $1 billion Doyle Drive rebuild.

In 2009, the board approved a 33-step plan to keep the district in the black, to be phased in over the next four years, including eliminating toll-takers.

Other Bay Area bridges operated by Caltrans — such as the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge — are looking at eliminating toll-takers, officials said.

"We are looking at what is happening at the Golden Gate Bridge very keenly," said Bay Area Toll Authority spokesman John Goodwin. "It's clear that is where the future is. But there is no timetable for other bridges, and the changes will be measured in years not months."